The Minnesota Vikings had an uphill climb all game long as they survive in Charlotte to defeat the Carolina Panthers by a score of 21-13.
The game started off with the Vikings driving down inside the Panthers five yard line, but Kirk Cousins threw a brutal interception that immediately became a pick-six. He threw another brutal interception during the two-minute drill that turned into a field goal to put the Panthers up 13-7.
Overall, Cousins did not have a great game. He was indecisive and struggled to make quick and confident decisions and those turned into turnovers and incompletions. He finished the game 13-of-19 for 139 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Justin Jefferson didn’t break 100 yards receiving on Sunday, but his six catches went for 85 yards and two touchdowns. He was every bit as dominant on the outside as you could have asked.
The offensive line didn’t play Dalton Risner, and it didn’t need him. They were solid throughout the game and looked a little bit worse when Cousins displayed poor pocket management.
They stifled Bryce Young throughout the game, who had the most success in the passing game throwing screens and short routes. He struggled to hit anything down the field and threw for only 204 yards despite completing 25-of-32 passes.
The key play of the game was Harrison Smith strip sacking Young for a D.J. Wonnum scoop and score. That gave the Vikings the lead and they never looked back Smith sacked Young to end the Panthers’ final drive and give the Vikings the win.
Up next for Minnesota is the Kansas City Chiefs at U.S. Bank next Sunday.
